The 5 Best Allergists in New York
Board-certified allergy & asthma specialists in New York (Upper East Side), New York (Manhattan), Buffalo.
If over-the-counter antihistamines aren't cutting it anymore, a board-certified allergist-immunologist can pinpoint exactly what you're reacting to and build a treatment plan — including immunotherapy that can reduce your sensitivity for good. Our editors researched allergists across New York and curated the five standouts below based on board certification, affiliations, peer recognition, and patient reputation. Before your visit, check today's pollen levels in New York so you can tell your doctor what was in the air when your symptoms flared.
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Amy Lichtenfeld, MD
Eastside Medical Associates
New York (Upper East Side), NY
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineFellow of the AAAAI (FAAAAI)Dr. Lichtenfeld graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her allergy-immunology fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center; she has practiced on the Upper East Side since 1991. She has been repeatedly named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and New York Magazine, and served on the Executive Board and as President of the NY Allergy and Asthma Society.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Food allergies · Environmental allergies · Drug allergy
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Joyce E. Yu, MD
ColumbiaDoctors / NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
New York (Manhattan), NY
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in PediatricsFellow of the AAAAI (FAAAAI)Dr. Yu is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Director of the Food Allergy Clinic within the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. She has authored more than 83 peer-reviewed publications with over 2,000 citations, with research focusing on food allergy mechanisms, B-cell immunology, and primary immunodeficiency.
Areas of focus: Food allergies · Primary immunodeficiency · Pediatric allergy · Clinical immunology
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Clifford W. Bassett, MD
Allergy & Asthma Care of New York (Schweiger Dermatology Group)
New York (Manhattan), NY
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyFellow of the AAAAI (FAAAAI)Fellow of the ACAAI (FACAAI)Dr. Bassett is the founder and medical director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York and a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine and faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College. He has been named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and New York Magazine's Best Doctors issue, and authored The New Allergy Solution (Penguin Random House, 2017).
Areas of focus: Asthma · Food allergies · Environmental allergies · Skin allergies
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Sebastian Lighvani, MD
NY Allergy & Asthma PLLC
New York (Manhattan), NY
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyDr. Lighvani is a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital, having trained at the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University. He has been voted one of America's Top Doctors every year since 2006 and is a recipient of the Compassionate Doctor and Patient's Choice Awards.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Food allergies · Hives and eczema · Environmental allergies
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Jeffrey B. Rockoff, MD
Rockoff Allergy and Immunology
Buffalo, NY
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyFellow of the AAAAI (FAAAAI)Dr. Rockoff completed his Allergy and Immunology fellowship at the University at Buffalo and has been practicing in Western New York since 1991, making him one of the region's most established allergists. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and provides care for both pediatric and adult patients at his Buffalo practice.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Food allergies · Environmental allergies · Pediatric allergy
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How we chose the best allergists in New York
Our editorial team researched allergy and immunology specialists practicing across New York and selected these five based on:
- Board certification in Allergy & Immunology (ABAI)
- Hospital and academic affiliations with respected medical centers
- Peer recognition, including Top Doctor awards and professional society roles
- Practice reputation and years of experience treating allergy and asthma patients
- Geographic spread across New York's major metro areas
These listings are editorial picks, not paid placements or medical endorsements, and we have no financial relationship with any provider listed. Physician availability, insurance participation, and credentials change — always verify directly with the practice before booking. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good allergist in New York?
Look for board certification in Allergy & Immunology, hospital or academic affiliations, and an established practice. Every allergist on this list was vetted against those criteria.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan, not the state. Most PPO plans let you book directly; HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care physician.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
A list of your symptoms and when they occur, your current medications, your insurance card, and any relevant medical records. A symptom diary matched against local pollen counts is especially useful for diagnosing seasonal allergies.
Track New York pollen before your visit
Allergists can diagnose you faster when you know which days your symptoms flared and what was in the air. MyPollenPal tracks daily tree, grass, and weed pollen levels for cities across New York.